Thai PM apologises for bikini warning after Britons' murder

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/18/thai-prime-minister-apologises-bikini-comments-murder

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Thailand's prime minister, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, has apologised for criticising tourists who wear bikinis in Thailand, comments that sparked an international outcry following the murder of two Britons there this week.

The bodies of David Miller and Hannah Witheridge were found early on Monday on a beach on the island of Koh Tao. The two deaths brought the number of UK nationals murdered in Thailand to 13 since 2009, according to the British consulate. Around 800,000 Britons visit Thailand each year, among more than 25 million foreign visitors.

Prayuth said in a televised speech on Wednesday: "Tourists think that Thailand is beautiful, safe and that they can do anything they want here. That they can put on their bikinis and go anywhere they want. I ask, can you get away with wearing bikinis in Thailand? Unless you are not beautiful?"

On Thursday he told reporters: "I am sorry with what I said and if it has caused any ill-feelings. I just wanted to warn tourists that we have different traditions and they have to stay on their toes."

The victims' bodies have been handed over to family members in Thailand for repatriation.